The 85th Oscars

I don't know if anyone outside the steadily shrinking confines of the movie industry still cares about the Academy Awards, nor can I articulate any compelling reason why they should. But just in case, here's a thread for predictions, preferences, whatever, for this Sunday's show.

This year they're trying to run away from tradition, rebranding what would usually be called "The 85th Academy Awards" as just the plain old "Oscars:"

It's hard to say that the Academy is completely turning its back on its history, given that this year's show includes a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the James Bond movies and a tribute to movie musicals of the past decade. But it is consciously (if quietly) looking not to use a big round number when trying to woo viewers closer to the age of Quvenzhane Wallis (9) than Emmanuelle Riva (85), and trying to get less formal by making the show's nickname its official name.

AMPAS Drops '85th Academy Awards' - Now It's Just 'The Oscars' | The Wrap Awards


Anyway, for anyone still paying attention, one voter's entertaining, scabrous explanation of his ballot can be found here (strong language advisory):

Oscar Voter's Brutally Honest Ballot

Samples:

BEST ORIGINAL SONG

“This is No-Brainer City: ‘Skyfall’ is one of the best songs that has ever been in the best song category and Adele is ******* brilliant. Plus I think it’s about time that a James Bond song won best song. In a way, this is my ***** for not giving it to ‘Live and Let Die’ back in 1973. I will say that ‘Before My Time,’ which is sung by Scarlett Johansson, is pretty good. ‘Pi’s Lullaby’ I couldn’t remember if my life was on the line. ‘Everybody Needs a Best Friend’ is a simple song. And ‘Suddenly’ from Les Miserables is a very boring song and an absolutely blatant attempt to win a best song Oscar; that upsets me. If ‘Skyfall’ does not win I will fillet my next-door neighbor’s dog.”

Vote: “Skyfall” (Skyfall)

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

“It’s a tough category because everything is mediocre. I’m definitely not voting for The Pirates. I’m not voting for Frankenweenie. Brave was unimpressive. So I guess it’s between ParaNorman and Wreck-It Ralph. So… [At this time he assigned the screen side of his iPhone to the former and the back side of it to the latter, and spun it on his desk.]

Vote: Wreck-It Ralph